Nvidia Corp. this week introduced its highest-performing graphics processing unit (GPU) for mobile systems. The new GeForce GTX 580M solution is powered by GF114 graphics chip, which makes it possible to expect premium desktop performance as well as feature-set on a notebook. Alienware is the first to use the GTX 580M inside its M17x and M18x laptops.

"The best game support. The best gaming features. The best gaming performance available anywhere. That's the essence of the GeForce GTX 580M. With power like this, you can turn all the knobs to 11," said Rene Haas, general manager of notebook products at Nvidia.

Nvidia GeForce GTX 580M graphics solution is based on the mobile flavour of the GF114 graphics processing unit (GPU) made using 40nm fabrication process. The model GTX 580M has 384 stream processing units. 64 texture units, 32 render back ends, 8 tessellation engines and well as 256-bit memory controller. Nvidia clocks the GF114 chip of GTX 580M at [presumably] 620MHz and its stream processors operate at 1240MHz. The designer recommends partners to use clock GDDR5 memory at 1.50GHz.

Just like the rest of the GeForce GTX 5-series and 5M-series, the GTX 580M fully supports Optimus graphics switching technology, DirectX 11, OpenGL 4, OpenCL 1, 3DVision, PhysX, SLI as well as all the modern functionality, including hardware decoding of high-definition stereo-3D video and so on.

Even though the GeForce GTX 580M name implies onto performance class of the GeForce GTX 580, the mobile solution will offer performance akin to GeForce GTX 560. Since the high-end GF110 chip is too bulky and too hot for notebooks, whereas the GF114 can run at high speeds without breaking the thermal design power limitations, it makes more sense for Nvidia (as well as for AMD) to use performance-mainstream GPUs to create flagship graphics solutions for laptops. It is unclear whether the GeForce GTX 580M is actually faster than AMD Radeon HD 6900M (which is based on Cayman design and sports 960 stream processors).

The first notebook PC to feature the GeForce GTX 580M, the Alienware M18x offers the option of two GeForce GTX 580M GPUs in one system for up to double the gaming performance. Alienware claims that thanks to Optimus technology, the M17x (with one GPU) will deliver 5 hours of battery life in Facebook, and 100 frames per second performance in Call of Duty: Black Ops.

"Gamers aspire to experience games at their highest settings. Alienware activates the technology designed to enable those aspirations. With the launch of the GeForce GTX 580M on the Alienware M17x, and a dual card option on the M18x, that synergy continues - Alienware delivers the ultimate gaming experience," said Eddy Goyanes, product marketing manager for Alienware.